M.Cristina Kell, L.Ac., LMT

AcuDetox / NADA Protocol

Acudetox can reduce the symptoms associated with addiction recovery including withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and anxiety. Other chronic stress conditions such as PTSD, depression and anxiety have also responded favorably.
The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol takes place in a group setting.  It consists of the insertion of small acupuncture needles into five points on the outer surface of a person’s ear (auricular acupuncture).  
The needles remain inserted for 40-45 minutes.   

A brief history of NADA.  
In 1973, H.L.Wen, MD discovered that acupuncture delivered at certain points on the ear relieved opiate withdrawal symptoms as well as post surgical pain.  Doctor Wen published these results in the Asian Journal of Medicine. Acupuncture for addiction was primarily developed in the 1970’s at Lincoln Hospital in South Bronx, New York, as part of a methadone detoxification program.  After receiving acupuncture treatment the patients in the program reported being more relaxed and less depressed.  The use of acupuncture resulted in an overall reduction of withdrawal symptoms.  

In 1974 Doctor Michael Smith, psychiatrist and medical director of the Lincoln Hospital Detox program, began working with the acupuncture clinic. It was discovered that manual insertion and manipulation of needles was more effective than electric stimulation.  The daily use of acupuncture with addicted patients resulted in a reduced need for alcohol and heroin.  In 1978 acupuncture replaced methadone as part of the detoxification program at Lincoln Hospital.
In 1985 the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) was founded by Doctor Smith and others to continue education and training of the NADA protocol.
NADA protocol is an important component of a detoxification program and is used with other treatment modalities, such as counseling, support groups and self-help programs, to increase the overall effectiveness of care.  The NADA protocol was offered to 9/11 survivors and emergency personnel from 2001-2007 in community style settings, and post hurricanes in Louisiana, New Orleans and Joplin, Missouri.  The NADA protocol has been used effectively in the treatment of PTSD, Anxiety Disorders, and it is offered to our veterans in VA hospitals in some states.